The objectives of this project are to develop a new catalyst, the kinetics for this catalyst, simulate the performance of fixed bed trickle flow reactors, slurry flow reactors, and fixed bed gas phase reactors for conversion of a hydrogen-lean synthesis gas to isobutylene. The goals for this year were to recruit and organize the project team, complete the literature and patent searches, complete the management plan and other reporting requirements, complete the revision and upgrading of existing bench scale units for the project, and synthesize, characterize and evaluate the catalytic activity of zirconia prepared (1) by co-precipitation of zirconyl nitrate with ammonium hydroxide and (2) by preparing a hydrous zirconium oxide using the modified sol gel method developed at the Sandia National Laboratories followed by calcination. The same preparation procedure would be used to prepare supports for impregnation with thorium nitrate, a potassium salt and a sodium salt. The synthesis of new crystalline zirconates were to be attempted with the objective of producing new compositions of matter which might have higher activities and selectivities than zirconia. Substantial progress on reactor and kinetic models for slurry and trickle bed reactors was to be achieved. Accomplishments for the year are described.

XOQDOQ is the atmospheric dispersion code used by the Savannah River Laboratory to estimate offsite concentrations resulting from chronic releases of radioactivity. This report documents evaluation and verification studies performed on XOQDOQ. The studies were designed to establish compliance with Site quality assurance requirements for high-impact software. Comparisons of XOQDOQ results with that of a series of spreadsheets indicate that the code is performing as intended by the designers. Relative concentration and deposition values, {chi}/Qs and D/Qs, calculated by the two methods differed by no more than 0.5% in any of the test cases. Estimates of ground-level air concentrations at the Site boundary calculated with XOQDOQ were compared with tritium concentrations measured at those locations. XOQDOQ generally overestimates tritium concentrations by a factor of 1 to 3. Other radionuclides released in recent years by the SRS have not been present in sufficient concentrations to permit evaluation efforts. However, previous studies of Kr-85, I-129, and Pu-238 have shown XOQDOQ predictions of offsite air concentrations to be adequate. Based on this review, the performance of XOQDOQ is acceptable for continued use at the SRS. Efforts to improve the code should also be continued. Sensitivity studies to such parameters as particle size distribution, …

The present invention relates generally to ringlight for providing illumination about a central viewing area and more particularly to an improved ringlight design suitable for use in automatic gaging applications conducted in hostile radioactive environments. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a ringlight which is relatively simple in construction and with few parts, and which is thus very reliable in operation. The above and other objects are achieved in the present invention by a ringlight providing an annular array of light-emitting elements centered about a viewing passage, wherein the improvement comprises: a first annular body, a second annular body mounted concentrically within the first annular body so as to form an annular void and light-emitting aperture therebetween, and a plurality of optical fibers extending into the void with end portions thereof secured therein so as to form an annular array of optical fiber end surfaces at said light-emitting aperture, the first and second bodies cooperating to angle the end portions of the plurality of optical fibers toward a central axis of the viewing passage.

This document discusses public opinion regarding nuclear power which is particularly difficult to tie down because of five important paradoxes that characterize it: it can be based on sound reason, but also on intense emotion; it is both national and local in perspective; at varying times it has seen nuclear power as both clean'' and dirty''; it believes nuclear power is both economic, and uneconomic; and nuclear power is perceived as having a fairly safe record, but being potentially unsafe. Equally as complex as the process by which public opinion is formed is the process by which it is converted into public policy. The American political system has numerous checks and balances designed to moderate the power of public opinion. A complex series of legislative, judicial, and executive branch hurdles must be cleared before any idea, however popular, can become day-to-day operating reality in government. As a result, major changes in policy or programs are difficult, and we may expect that nuclear power will be no different; radical change in one direction or the other is unlikely. Nevertheless, carefully focused programs could achieve modest progress, and carefully designed public opinion surveys could support such programs.

This document discusses public opinion regarding nuclear power which is particularly difficult to tie down because of five important paradoxes that characterize it: it can be based on sound reason, but also on intense emotion; it is both national and local in perspective; at varying times it has seen nuclear power as both ``clean`` and ``dirty``; it believes nuclear power is both economic, and uneconomic; and nuclear power is perceived as having a fairly safe record, but being potentially unsafe. Equally as complex as the process by which public opinion is formed is the process by which it is converted into public policy. The American political system has numerous checks and balances designed to moderate the power of public opinion. A complex series of legislative, judicial, and executive branch hurdles must be cleared before any idea, however popular, can become day-to-day operating reality in government. As a result, major changes in policy or programs are difficult, and we may expect that nuclear power will be no different; radical change in one direction or the other is unlikely. Nevertheless, carefully focused programs could achieve modest progress, and carefully designed public opinion surveys could support such programs.

The objectives of this program are to implement and test the process improvements identified through the engineering studies of the current program (Contract DE-AC22-85PC80007), to demonstrate the capability of long-term catalyst activity maintenance, and to perform process and design engineering work that can be applied to a scale-up Liquid Phase Methanol (LPMEOH) facility. An optional series of Process Development Unit (PDU) runs is offered to extend the testing of the process improvements. A parallel research program will be performed to enhance the LPMEOH technical data base to improve the likelihood of commercialization of the LPMEOH process.

The objectives of this program are to implement and test the process improvements identified through the engineering studies of the current program (Contract DE-AC22-85PC80007), to demonstrate the capability of long-term catalyst activity maintenance, and to perform process and design engineering work that can be applied to a scale-up Liquid Phase Methanol (LPMEOH) facility. An optional series of Process Development Unit (PDU) runs is offered to extend the testing of the process improvements. A parallel research program will be performed to enhance the LPMEOH technical data base to improve the likelihood of commercialization of the LPMEOH process.

The overall goal of this grant was to conduct research that would illuminate the mechanisms by which the plant hormone auxin induces plant cells to enlarge. A large body of knowledge already existed concerning this process. To begin with, it had been demonstrated, primarily by this laboratory during previous grant periods, that the effect of auxin is to cause a loosening of the cell wall, which is followed by turgor-driven wall expansion and water uptake. The wall contains a series of load-bearing wall bonds which must be cleaved in order to loosen the wall. The identification of these load-bearing bonds is one goal of this research. We proposed that an initial action of auxin is to cause cells to excrete protons, and that the resulting acidification of the apoplast activated enzymes responsible for wall loosening. Evidence has been obtained that indicates that the proton excretion is due to an enhanced activity of the plasma membrane H{sup +} {minus}ATPase. A critical question is how auxin activates this enzyme. The third project concerned the role of wall calcium as part of load-bearing wall bonds. It has long been thought that apoplastic calcium crosslinks carboxyl groups in the wall pectic substances and stiffens …

The overall goal of this grant was to conduct research that would illuminate the mechanisms by which the plant hormone auxin induces plant cells to enlarge. A large body of knowledge already existed concerning this process. To begin with, it had been demonstrated, primarily by this laboratory during previous grant periods, that the effect of auxin is to cause a loosening of the cell wall, which is followed by turgor-driven wall expansion and water uptake. The wall contains a series of load-bearing wall bonds which must be cleaved in order to loosen the wall. The identification of these load-bearing bonds is one goal of this research. We proposed that an initial action of auxin is to cause cells to excrete protons, and that the resulting acidification of the apoplast activated enzymes responsible for wall loosening. Evidence has been obtained that indicates that the proton excretion is due to an enhanced activity of the plasma membrane H{sup +} {minus}ATPase. A critical question is how auxin activates this enzyme. The third project concerned the role of wall calcium as part of load-bearing wall bonds. It has long been thought that apoplastic calcium crosslinks carboxyl groups in the wall pectic substances and stiffens …

The coolant flow in a nuclear reactor core under normal operating conditions is kept as a subcooled liquid. This coolant is evenly distributed throughout the multiple flow channels with a uniform pressure profile across each coolant flow channel. If the coolant flow is reduced, the flow through individual channels will also decrease. A decrease in coolant flow will result in higher coolant temperatures if the heat flux is not reduced. When flow is significantly decreased, localized boiling may occur. This localized boiling can restrict coolant flow and the ability to transfer heat out of the reactor system. The maximum operating power for the reactor may be limited by how the coolant system reacts to a flow instability. One of the methods to assure safe operation during a reducing flow transient, is to operate at a power level below that necessary to initiate a flow excursion. Several correlations have been used to predict the conditions which will proceed a flow excursion. These correlations rely on the steady state behavior of the coolant and are based on steady-state testing. There are two significant points which this project will try to identify. The first is when vapor first forms on the channel surface. …

The coolant flow in a nuclear reactor core under normal operating conditions is kept as a subcooled liquid. This coolant is evenly distributed throughout the multiple flow channels with a uniform pressure profile across each coolant flow channel. If the coolant flow is reduced, the flow through individual channels will also decrease. A decrease in coolant flow will result in higher coolant temperatures if the heat flux is not reduced. When flow is significantly decreased, localized boiling may occur. This localized boiling can restrict coolant flow and the ability to transfer heat out of the reactor system. The maximum operating power for the reactor may be limited by how the coolant system reacts to a flow instability. One of the methods to assure safe operation during a reducing flow transient, is to operate at a power level below that necessary to initiate a flow excursion. Several correlations have been used to predict the conditions which will proceed a flow excursion. These correlations rely on the steady state behavior of the coolant and are based on steady-state testing. There are two significant points which this project will try to identify. The first is when vapor first forms on the channel surface. …

Headspace oxygen contents of several designated drums containing {minus}l inch and {minus}{1/4} inch coal were measured. These measurements were later discontinued by agreement with the Project Manager, as the leakage of plastic drums and buckets has been well documented. During the current reporting period a total of 65 data printouts were distributed. In addition, 10 special data requests were fulfilled by either search/sort and printout or creation of a data disk, resulting in distribution of limited information on 4,479 samples. Several preliminary requests for Sample Bank and Data Base information and price quotations have also been handled. Four hundred copies of the 61-page second edition of the booklet The Penn State Coal Sample Bank and Data Base'' were received from the printer. Changes in format have allowed increased content in fewer pages, to reduce printing and mailing costs. Three hundred thirty-nine copies were distributed. Data generated on samples DECS-1 through DECS-14 were added to the Penn State Coal Data Base. Map reference data were verified for all 14 samples.

Headspace oxygen contents of several designated drums containing {minus}l inch and {minus}{1/4} inch coal were measured. These measurements were later discontinued by agreement with the Project Manager, as the leakage of plastic drums and buckets has been well documented. During the current reporting period a total of 65 data printouts were distributed. In addition, 10 special data requests were fulfilled by either search/sort and printout or creation of a data disk, resulting in distribution of limited information on 4,479 samples. Several preliminary requests for Sample Bank and Data Base information and price quotations have also been handled. Four hundred copies of the 61-page second edition of the booklet ``The Penn State Coal Sample Bank and Data Base`` were received from the printer. Changes in format have allowed increased content in fewer pages, to reduce printing and mailing costs. Three hundred thirty-nine copies were distributed. Data generated on samples DECS-1 through DECS-14 were added to the Penn State Coal Data Base. Map reference data were verified for all 14 samples.

Laser-plasma instability experiments for laser fusion have followed three developments. These are advances in the technology and design of experiments, advances in diagnostics, and evolution of the design of high-gain targets. This paper traces the history of these three topics and discusses their present state. Today one is substantially able to produce controlled plasma conditions and to diagnose specific instabilities within such plasmas. Experiments today address issues that will matter for future laser facilities. Such facilities will irradiate targets with {approx}1 MJ of visible or UV light pulses that are tens of nanoseconds in duration, very likely with a high degree of spatial and temporal incoherence. 58 refs., 4 figs.

The goal of this report is to specify or confirm the strengths and resolutions of the corrector magnets and their power supplies. the photon beam must be stable to 5% of the phase space dimensions of the beam (10% of the emittance). Specification of the closed-orbit displacement in the insertion device appears in the CDR {Delta}{sigma}{sub x} < 16 {mu}m; {Delta}{sigma}{sub x{prime}} < 1.2 {mu}rad; {Delta}{sigma}{sub y} < 4.4 {mu}m; {Delta}{sigma}{sub y{prime}} < 0.45 {mu}rad. Global and local correction systems will remove DC and oscillatory components of the orbit distortion. The oscillatory orbit distortion is usually attributed to the ground motion coupling to the quadrupole supports, but one should not assume that ground motion is the unique source.

This invention is comprised of a process for recovering nuclear fuel from spent fuel assemblies that employs a single canister process container. The cladding and fuel are oxidized in the container, the fuel is dissolved and removed from the container for separation from the aqueous phase, the aqueous phase containing radioactive waste is returned to the container. This container is also the disposal vessel. Add solidification agents and compress container for long term storage.

This report consists of six sections, which cover pi/sigma equilibria in aldehyde and ketone complexes, abstraction of vinylic protons from alkene complexes, mechanism of rearrangement of alkylidene to alkene complexes, rearrangement of terminal acetylene to vinylidene complexes, synthesis and reactivity of lithiocarbide complexes, and new catalysts for the epimerization of secondary alcohols; carbon-hydrogen bond activation in alkoxide complexes. (WET)

This report consists of six sections, which cover pi/sigma equilibria in aldehyde and ketone complexes, abstraction of vinylic protons from alkene complexes, mechanism of rearrangement of alkylidene to alkene complexes, rearrangement of terminal acetylene to vinylidene complexes, synthesis and reactivity of lithiocarbide complexes, and new catalysts for the epimerization of secondary alcohols; carbon-hydrogen bond activation in alkoxide complexes. (WET)

Though many of our results will have much greater generality, the main purpose of this paper is to provide a simple, accurate, physical theory of what happens when a Planckian spectrum of soft x-rays is incident on one side of the slab of initially cold, dense material, of small nuclear charge Z. Our approach will be to consider in some detail the idealized situation. A semi-infinite (x {le} 0) slab of initially cold (T < 300 K), dense ({rho} {approximately} 1 {minus} 10 g/cc), low-Z (Z < 5) material is suddenly subjected at time t = 0 and thereafter to radiation incoming from x = +{infinity} with a specific intensity in directions toward the slab that is Planckian, characterized by a black-body temperature, T{sub R} in the soft x-ray region.

The objective for the Winter Validation Study was to gather field data for validation of the Terrain-Responsive Atmospheric Code (TRAC) under winter time meteorological conditions. Twelve tracer tests were conducted during a two-week period in February 1991. Each test lasted 12 hours, with releases of SF{sub 6} tracer from the Rocky Flats Plant near Golden, Colorado. The tests included ground-based and airborne sampling to 16 km from the release point. This presentation summarizes meteorological conditions during the testing period. Forty six viewgraphs are included.

This document contains copies of the vugraphs used by C. R. Hodgin for the November 6, 1991 presentation summarizing the process to be used for evaluation of the Emergency Response Dispersion Model. (MHB)

The Integrated DWPF Melter System (IDMS) is designed and constructed to provide an engineering-scale representation of the DWPF melter and its associated feed preparation and off-gas systems. The facility is the first pilot-scale melter system capable of processing mercury, and flowsheet levels of halides and noble metals. In order to characterize the processing of noble metals (Pd, Rh, Ru, and Ag) on a large scale, the IDMS will be operated batchstyle for at least nine feed preparation cycles. The first two of these operations are complete. The major observation to date occurred during the second run when significant amounts of hydrogen were evolved during the feed preparation cycle. The runs were conducted between June 7, 1990 and March 8, 1991. This time period included nearly six months of ``fix-up`` time when forced air purges were installed on the SRAT MFT and other feed preparation vessels to allow continued noble metals experimentation.

The objective of this project is to perform a microbial enhanced oil recovery field pilot test in the Southeast Vassar Vertz Sand Unit (SEVVSU) in Payne County, Oklahoma. Indigenous, anaerobic, nitrate-reducing bacteria will be stimulated to selectively plug flow paths which have been preferentially swept by a prior waterflood. This will force future flood water to invade bypassed regions of the reservoir and increase sweep efficiency. During this quarter an additional tracer study was performed in the field to determine pre-treatment flow paths and the first nutrients were injected. 2 figs.

The objective of this project is to perform a microbial enhanced oil recovery field pilot test in the Southeast Vassar Vertz Sand Unit (SEVVSU) in Payne County, Oklahoma. Indigenous, anaerobic, nitrate-reducing bacteria will be stimulated to selectively plug flow paths which have been preferentially swept by a prior waterflood. This will force future flood water to invade bypassed regions of the reservoir and increase sweep efficiency. During this quarter an additional tracer study was performed in the field to determine pre-treatment flow paths and the first nutrients were injected. 2 figs.